I've been playing 25 years, got down to 5hcp, but never really hit the ball well. Always been a hands out, roll the clubhead inside and catch the ball thin type of golfer. This A swing has changed my life, literally. In 25 years I've probably only hit a handful of shots pure, out of the sweetspot, with this swing I hit 7 pured irons in one round !!! I have no affiliation with Leadbetter but if I met him I'd kiss him !!
Thank you for the very CLEAR and SIMPLE EXPLANATION of the back swing sequence on pivoting and wrist set! Very easy to understand and follow ! Well done.
What an absolutely great break down of Lydia Ko's swing and the swing analysis. Amateur male golfers usually don't look at the swings of the women players to copy them, but in her case, they should. Best tempo and effortless swing with supreme accuracy. Thanks for taking the time to explain this, I appreciated it. Keep up the good work.
Amateur golfers should really turn to a lot of the LPGA players swings. They have some of the most "technically perfect" swings on either tour. Especially players like In Gee Chun, Sung Hyun Park and Jessica Korda who IMO have nearly perfect golf swings.
Your video is the best on youtube so far on A swing backswing, I think senior golfers should give it a try because it is much shorter backswing and only one way get to the top, I am 66 and only been playing golf 4 years ,I feel much confidence with the A swing. Thanks for the video .
Lydia is an extraordinary player, been my one to watch for years. Her movement is simply amazing that explains why she’s in the golf hall of fame at 27 years of age. Miss her presence in LPGA tournaments. Great video Adam I’m going to try and add this rotation to my own game
Thanks Adam! All your work is "top shelf"!. But this 10 minutes is probably your best ever!I'm early 40's and starting to dedicate some effort into Golf again, and this video has assisted in "ironing-out" my iron play! Which carries over to the short game, and the long game! Well done, you are a STAR! Thanks again, from The Sands, Torquay, Australia - Simon and son Teo.
Played a round with my friends who always outdrive me. Got a little frustrated and remembered this move. Did some practice swings and then stepped up to the tee and SMOKED what was probably the longest drive of my career, 50 yards past my buddies. I had aimed over the cart path about 150 yards away and literally split the path as the ball flew. Wowza. As a long time "arms swinger" this pivot action felt totally weird, I wondered how I could even hit the ball swinging this way, but when I saw the results...as they say, the proof is in the pudding. I am switching to the A Swing. Great job, Adam! You really clarified some aspects of this for me.
I've seen a lot of bad comments on the A swing but I have to say it was designed based on Leadbetter's observation that many of his students were rolling the club inside and laying off going back. If that's not your problem, then this technique is not going help. Maybe folks take golf instruction and apply it to themselves incorrectly then complain. This works for me because it fixed MY problem! I finally feel the club actively shallowing (getting into the slot) on plane when I fire my lower body which I never did before.
Thanks Brandon, I appreciate it. If it's of interest all the content is at www.scratchgolfacademy.com , and I will be offering a full range of in depth courses there soon. Best, Adam
Excellent video Adam - you really explained the core backswing mechanics very well - I have been using the A swing method but had difficulty understanding the core or pivot motion until you showed it clearly - thank you so much!
Hi again Adam. Wow, this video has really helped me out! It has lead me down the path of watching a few more videos on the A Swing. I have only recently dedicated some effort to becoming a student of the game. About 2 months ago, I bought a Calloway Complete Set, X Series (N415's - sort of entry level for Calloway, but a quality set). Plus a Phil Mickelson Grind 60/10 Wedge... I've had so much fun mastering the Wedge, and my short game, and watching Phil's Short Game (and videos)... And I have quickly become pretty good in the short game, because there was less time for me to stuff up my back swing!... My swing was OK... But now the A-Swing has really put me into the slot... I love the part in this video when you say, "and that gives her a Green Light... to really hit the ball"... Words to that effect... I haven't even had any golf lessons ever! But your teaching has been excellent... Just slowly working on 1 or 2 little things... After a while, I have worked on 30 things from you... But you lead me down the path of the A-Swing, and that was MY "Green Light" moment! I can finally unleash some real power on the ball! Thank-you Adam!... 2 things on my Golf Bucket List, 1 - Play Pebble Beach, and 2 - get a lesson from you, and meet you. Your passion for golf comes out in your videos, well done! ... I live on the Ladies Tee at Hole 18, The Sands, Torquay, Australia... Which is close to the club house, and the practice facilities!
Simon, Thanks very much. I'm glad you've found the videos helpful, and yes, the A-swing is really a good fit for some people. If it's of interest, on Wednesday (Oct 12) I am opening the new Premium membership at www.scratchgolfacademy.com Offered there are one on one lessons with me through the internet. It's simple technology. I hope you'll consider checking it out. All the best, Adam
Adam, I really appreciate your perspective on the A swing. I see some vitriolic comments and how you have engaged with some very bitter people and all credit to you. DL is a great coach, like yourself, and whilst I am entirely new to the A swing (I'm a one plane swinger now, 1.1 hcp) Im more than willing to give it a try and am discussing with my coach now. Thanks for your brilliant presentation, one day I'd love to visit with you. All best
Came back to review this video. You do such a great job of describing the pivot and how the hands stay in while the club goes out. I make a bit of a Matt Kuchar move, feeling like my right arm stays straight instead of whipping to the inside and bending, then lifting and chopping. The feeling is that there is a laser on the grip end of the club that will slice across my toes. Well, when the head is that far out and the shaft is that steep, there is no where for it to go but to fall back in, THEN the right arm drops down to the side and BOOM, everything else is automatic. So many people just want to hate on David, but he really hit a home run with this one. If you are a slicer coming over the top, this move will feel like you just woke up in China, but as Adam says here, give it some time, stay patient and it will work. BIG HINT: if you are used to coming OTT, you will want to lunge forward with your head. Once that club drops in, the hips move forward, but THE HEAD STAYS BACK. - Thanks, Adam. You are terrific.
I've tried David's A Swing and much of it is quite useful but I've found that a slight hybrid of that swing works really well .. by letting the club path be slightly less steep on the backswing, I have been able to swing more "on plane." To allow the club to shallow the wrists have to be almost too supple for me and I've found that a late on plane wrist cock that then steepens the club shaft allows me to feel the club dropping into the slot. Both work but it's more consistent with the latter than the former. Keeping the club in front and steep tends to induce weight moving forward even though that is something that David does NOT want to happen.
Hi Adam I recently started swinging my clubs like this, sort of copying Ryan Moore`s swing. Then after googling i came across David Leadbetters A Swing. Its the only way i can swing on plane and a very strange thing happens my hips bump and i actually rotate moving my weight forward ( something i struggle with) it just naturally happens for me. A lot of people dislike Leadbetter saying its a gimmick on other you tube comments. But honestly Adam for the first time in two years since i took up this great sport i can hit the ball consistently well. one mans food is another mans poison i know, but this just works for me taking the club up steep then i can feel it shallow, rotate hard then pow. just my tupence worth . Paul
A tip to advise your students... Notice that Lydia's downswing is initiated with the uncoiling of her legs dragging her hip, shoulders, arms and hands. The geometry of the hips, shoulders, arms and hands at the top of the back swing is held with no hip to shoulder separation until just before the point of the club presenting itself to the ball. Separation starts with hip to shoulder through the strike, not before. Perhaps you can analyse the movement of the arms through the swing which works follow a v-shape action as the straight left arm rises to the right shoulder in front of the body in the back swing and returning to its original position through the ball strike, and the struggle right arm rising up to the left shoulder through the follow through to finish the swing. This gives rise to the "dropping the hands" sensation on the downswing instead of the trying to hit the ball with the arms/hands leading to cause an over the top swing. It keeps the hands in front of the torso throughout the swing. Also notice that with the downswing, there is no collapsing of the arms into the body with an arms to body lag causing a loss of power. What is not so apparently to me is the cocking of the wrist at the backswing. I suspect that it is not exactly 90deg in front of the body. The left wrist tend to be naturally oriented with a slight right leaning angle. Would the cocking of the wrists follow a 90-deg cock relative to the left wrist so that at a full cock, it will be a firm to sightly firm left wrist while the right wrist will be cupped giving rise to a "natural waiters support" in a full swing?
Great video once again..The A swing is very good ..but I think you need major extension at the start..but for the feeling the lawn motor drill really works..thanks
Thanks for the video. bought the book. but it's nice to have videos to learn from. can you do a video on using the A swing with a driver? thanks very helpful
Thanks Paul, glad it was helpful. Regards the driver it would be the same swing, but with the usual set-up modifications (ball forward, body tilted back etc). Hope this helps a bit. Best, Adam
Just learning the A swing, only been at it a couple weeks, but already contact is "crisper" with my irons, usually straighter ball flight, and, as a bonus, I've gained nearly 10 yards distance on all my clubs :) Can't wait to see what happens when I really get the hang of it :) For reference I've been playing for probably 10 years and am a 12 handicap, so not terrible, but loads of room for improvement.
After 64 years of playing, and trying everything :), I call this the "Trebuchet" effect - a medieval catapult. The hips have to move, with the legs turning them, first thus uncorking the torso and the shoulders. Just like the trebuchet has the movement of it's counter-weight then the "arms" THEN the "clubhead" - the ropes which includes the rocks (to be thrown) at the end. This maximizes the groundedness of the "Trebuchet" body - for the Trebuchet you don't want it to be moving back or forward during the throw. And thus it maximizes the various "centrifugal forces" involves. The turning of the hips is a centrifugal force on the perimeter/circle of the hip "arch". Similar the torso and shoulders follow with subsequent centrifugal force. The left arm, with the right hand/arm in support, form an "axl" - if you will - so the hands themselves follow another arch with centrifugal force. Finally the clubhead is on its own arc and centrifugal force created by ALL of the forces - before it - if done correctly and in concert. It's a lot easier to write about it than to do it. I started changing my swing after 60 years - 3 years ago. I started with a modified "Hogan" swing and gravitated to Ko's swing since she is about the same size as me. I now know what it's like to be able to hit a driver 280 yards. One of the RUclipss of Ko is of her driving at a tournament on the first hole of the 2nd or 3rd day, and the announcer says she is averaging 280 off the tee. That says it all. Timing, in my opinion now, is greater than brute power. Just look at a trebuchet. It has no muscles - only gravity, weight and centrifugal force.
Ive been practicing the A swing on the range the last 2 days. Ordered the book yesterday!Played first tournament yesterday and overall was very happy with ball striking aside from 2 blocked drives. Hopefully the book has something on blocks. It definitely does make the backswing easier and more compact without sacrificing any power. I’ve engrained my swing for the last 36 years and changes are difficult. Are you an A swing teacher if I need an online lesson?
Jason, Thanks. I am very familiar with the method, and certainly have preferences along the A-swing lines. For Premium members at www.scratchgolfacademy.com I do offer online coaching. I hope you'll consider it. All the best, Adam
Mike,I'd say once the club is mostly hinged up it typically starts to fall behind the hands. That would be hands a little above hip height.Hope this helps. Thanks, Adam
The “A”swing seems very logical my only question is about the wrist hinge on the way back it seems to cup your left wrist at the top of the backswing. Is that fine when using this method to steepen your backswing? When do you flatten the left wrist?
As a hitting coach and into the science of hitting mechanics, I applied this technique to my golf swing and my ball striking improved dramatically. Staying connected in the back swing was very helpful along with keeping the club outside the hands. Great video.
Is this A Swing more of a drill to help the golfer (1) keep the clubhead outside the hands on the takeaway, and (2) get the club up on its end halfway back? I feel that at the takeaway, my right hand is completely on top, and as I lift the club up from there the club is very upright when I am halfway back. I suppose following these positions are more like a Ryan Moore action going back, am I right?
I've been using a version of the "A" swing for nearly 20 years and every time I try to go away from it and try something else it turns out to be a complete disaster! Once you get the moves down it's the best golf swing technique you can use to better your game!
"If it's working for you stick with it. This game always requires subtle modifications ongoing, just stick with your basics" Then why would Lydia Ko change her basic swing that was dominating the LPGA? Yes, "was".
There's a long history of great players changing their swings, some with great success (Faldo, Hogan etc), and some with the opposite effect. It's just part of the makeup of these people, always trying to improve, look at Tiger. Of course in his prime he could win with any swing. We will have to see how it plays out over the next 10 years. Thanks for the comment
Tried the “lawnmower pull” at the range today. I felt very centered when I did it on my backswing. It felt like cheating. Lol. Question though you do the move in both directions when you demo it. I was not able to translate it to the downswing. One thing I notice with Lydia Ko and most great players is that lead arm is flat against their chest a long way into the downswing. How do I do that part of the move? And does the lawnmower pull apply there? Thank you.
Glad you liked it. No, in the downswing there would be some shift of lower body towards target. In the demo I was just repeating the backswing several times. All the best, Adam
I'm looking forward to see how she swings in 2021.....snapping away at the heals of the top guns & can she take out the likes of US winner Kim & the other Ko in 2021?
Hard to say without seeing you swing the club. Weight hanging on back foot or scooping at ball are very common. Sorry I can't be more helpful. Best, Adam
If you want to hit a lot of straight shots this swing is perfect but at the beginning you lose 1 1/2 to 2 club length in distance. But the more you keep practicing with it it will come back to just a 1/2 a club length.
Kelvin, Thanks for the comment. It's possible to lose some length when first trying something new, but not sure it's a definitively shorter hitting swing. Best, Adam
Guy, If you are referring to Lydia's swing, she rotates her trunk trough the ball really well, rarely seems to hook it. That combination could cause hooks though. Best, Adam
I prefer the old Lydia Ko swing which looked natural and worked well. This new contrived A swing just does not look right. The old swing got her on to tour and I think she might have the talent to make this manufactured A swing work but she would have been far better served sticking with what she had,
Well John, you might be right. The thing is one never really knows because once you've chosen a path and gone down it you don't know for sure what you'd have done if you stayed on the previous path. Faldo, Hogan and others made changes that created fabulous results, but others have had the opposite type result. Most amateur players snatch the club in too quickly for a flat takeaway, so this is kind of an antidote to that.Thanks though for your comments, and for watching the video. Best, Adam
Adam, Your point made re "one never really knows because once you've chosen a path and gone down it you don't know for sure what you'd have done if you stayed on the previous path"is spot on. ALL the big name Leadbetter students that he takes credit for were ALL on tour before he rejigged their swing's. Faldo was good enought to be leading the Open with 9 holes to go before he went to him. These players are savants that were already elite tour players and would undoubtedly achieved great things if they continued with what they were doing. The raw materiel he is working with is the driver for the results rather than the dubious method but the way it is sold the method takes most of the credit and that is just not realistic. This was why Leadbetter was unable to reproduce similar results with other players after Faldo,if it was the method there would have been a production line of players. The fact that did not/ does not happen indicates the raw material TALENT is the real determinant of sucess rather than the magic method. You also made a really good observation "Most amateur players snatch the club in too quickly for a flat takeaway, so this is kind of an antidote to that."Lydia Ko's old swing did not suffer from this and she had an on plane downswing. If the downswing is right you should not really fiddle with the backswing . A good example of this is Sandy Lyle who had a great downswing but funky LOOKING backswing and was ruined when he tried to change his backswing. I believe but am not 100% certain that Leadbetter was the architect behind this. In Lydia Ko's case her previously on plane downswing is now under plane and leading to a lot more inconsistancy as a result. Lydia Ko's old game just looked right and suited her and was already bringing tremendous results and was not taxing her nervous system. This new A Thing swing just does not look right and as phil makegs points out is fundamentally flawed . You can see she is working really hard to make the contrived A Thing work but she is so talented she can get results out of it. She is doing well despite it not because of it , that is what I see.
John, I agree that the talent of the player is the ultimate determining factor about success. I don't think an average tour player can become a multi major winner from a swing change. Leadbetter is a bright and talented guy though, and much more versatile than the general golf media makes him out to be. Tour players can be a pretty fickle group too, switching coaches, resisting new ideas etc etc. This, however, is their right, as ultimately they have to get the job done. It's an interesting dynamic to observe, I'm sure there are parallels in other fields. Thanks for your comments though, and your interest in the subject. Best, Adam
Looks a wee bit like Trevino's swing. Cocky wrists; definitely not a single plane swing. I'd think thrusting everything toward the target while keeping her lead leg a little bent throughout would be better on her back and would produce more power.
Jonathan, thanks for the comment. She's a super successful player, it will be interesting to see how she modifies her game going forward. All the best, Adam
+Paul Bordelon Thanks Paul. Yes, Lydia's motion is very much like that of Nick Price. As you may know Nick has always worked on his game with David Leadbetter, in fact they were friends growing up in Zimbabwe. Best, Adam
Lydia developed a two-way miss as a result of her hands moving out in the downswing (as your video shows)...if Lead had taught her (like he did many players back in '80s and early '90s) to shallow the clubhead ONTO the inclined shaft plane instead of creating a "look" of the club shallowing relative to the backswing (which doesn't mean squat) then she would probably still be with him today...you guys were all good teachers back then which makes one wonder what was wrong with what you were doing
Well, you are certainly entitled to an opinion. David remains a friend to this day (I'm doing a golf school with him in a couple of weeks), and I think he's a bright guy. Certainly his views have modified over the years, and some things work better for some players than others. With Tour players it's inevitable that the go through cycles, including firing coaches, caddies, and managers. It's just the nature of it. Ultimately the player has responsibility for their own game and outcomes (which gives them the right to fire people etc), so we'll see how the future goes for Lydia. Likely pretty well I'd guess. All the best, Adam
@@ScratchgolfacademyI certainly didn't question your loyalty and friendship (not sure what that has to do with my contention)...your response didn't really address the issue of her hands and arms moving "out" in the forward swing...it was a huge mistake in her career (having worked on the A swing)...further, it is disturbing that beginning at 6:24 you say "it's not just some random scheme to create something new" when that is exactly what he did to remain relevant and marketable...I can't think of one golfer having success with the A swing today...at what point in time do you admit it doesn't work? for the sake of fairness I'll admit that I am biased because I feel that 25-30 years ago David, Mitchell and the staff of instructors at DLGA were unparalleled in the history of golf instruction....
Pretty much all great golfers try whatever they can to improve. For some the changes don't work so well, for others (like Faldo) it's a difference maker. Lydia is now working with a friend of mine, Gary Gilchrist. He's a former Leadbetter employee, it will be interesting to see how it goes. Best, Adam
'Since ending her three-year relationship with swing coach David Leadbetter in December 2016, which led to 17 LPGA wins, 2 major golf championships, and a number 1 world ranking, Ko has won a single golf tournament, no major golf championships, and her world ranking has dropped to 14th.' (Wiki)
Robert, People are entitled to their own opinions, but after spending half my professional life around DL, I have a very high opinion of him. No problem thogh. Best, Adam
I bought into the A swing theory and bought the book....We golf nuts will fall for anything!!! Been playing golf for nearly thirty years to a low single figure handicap. Tried his A swing out but only find it to hard to make the wholesale changes one has to make specifically in the backswing. One has to spend hours on the range and thousands of swings to make the changes natural which is not practical especially for time poor amatuers!! In my opinion ultimately Leadbetter has destroyed Lydia. She had the perfect swing before David Leadbetter got hold of her so why fix what ain't broke is the question I ask?? There is a old Texan saying "Dance with the one that brung ya" and I believe that finally she has been left stranded at the ball!!. Please read Kelvin Miyahira's article link attached on saving Lydia ko written earlier this month, he is a highly respected coach and technical buff on the game. kelvinmiyahira.com/index.php/articles/articles-2/2016-articles/159-2016-10-saving-lydia-ko
Well you are entitled to your opinion. Many great players (Tiger, Hogan, Faldo) in an ongoing effort to improve made swing changes that helped a lot. Of course many players made changes and it went the other way. It's just hard to say until you try, if it will work. From my experience it's just 'in the nature' of a lot of great players (athletes in general) to push for improvement. I suppose we will see in 5 years or so how it's looking for Lydia. I appreciate your comment and interest. Thanks, Adam
What gives you the authority to try and tell someone how to speak? There are plenty of people who have had mixed upbringings in different countries who say things very differently. No need for negativity like this.
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I've been playing 25 years, got down to 5hcp, but never really hit the ball well. Always been a hands out, roll the clubhead inside and catch the ball thin type of golfer. This A swing has changed my life, literally. In 25 years I've probably only hit a handful of shots pure, out of the sweetspot, with this swing I hit 7 pured irons in one round !!!
I have no affiliation with Leadbetter but if I met him I'd kiss him !!
Glad it's helped you Eddie, and I'm sure David would say the same.
Best, Adam
Thank you for the very CLEAR and SIMPLE EXPLANATION of the back swing sequence on pivoting and wrist set! Very easy to understand and follow ! Well done.
Thanks very much Khan
best, Adam
What an absolutely great break down of Lydia Ko's swing and the swing analysis. Amateur male golfers usually don't look at the swings of the women players to copy them, but in her case, they should. Best tempo and effortless swing with supreme accuracy. Thanks for taking the time to explain this, I appreciated it. Keep up the good work.
Thanks very much Tony. I'm glad you got something out of it that might help you with your game.Best, Adam
Tony Rock
Amateur golfers should really turn to a lot of the LPGA players swings. They have some of the most "technically perfect" swings on either tour. Especially players like In Gee Chun, Sung Hyun Park and Jessica Korda who IMO have nearly perfect golf swings.
Your video is the best on youtube so far on A swing backswing, I think senior golfers should give it a try because it is much shorter backswing and only one way get to the top, I am 66 and only been playing golf 4 years ,I feel much confidence with the A swing. Thanks for the video .
Thanks very much, that's kind of you. Glad you are having success with the A Swing.Best, Adam
Lydia is an extraordinary player, been my one to watch for years. Her movement is simply amazing that explains why she’s in the golf hall of fame at 27 years of age. Miss her presence in LPGA tournaments. Great video Adam I’m going to try and add this rotation to my own game
Thanks, and hope it goes well for you
Thanks Adam! All your work is "top shelf"!. But this 10 minutes is probably your best ever!I'm early 40's and starting to dedicate some effort into Golf again, and this video has assisted in "ironing-out" my iron play! Which carries over to the short game, and the long game! Well done, you are a STAR! Thanks again, from The Sands, Torquay, Australia - Simon and son Teo.
Simon and Teo,
Thanks very much. I'm glad these videos have been helpful to you.
All best wishes, Adam
Thanks you for this explanation. I bought his book and struggled with the concept until this video. Love your channel.
Thanks Mary, glad you found it helpful.
All the best, Adam
Played a round with my friends who always outdrive me. Got a little frustrated and remembered this move. Did some practice swings and then stepped up to the tee and SMOKED what was probably the longest drive of my career, 50 yards past my buddies. I had aimed over the cart path about 150 yards away and literally split the path as the ball flew. Wowza. As a long time "arms swinger" this pivot action felt totally weird, I wondered how I could even hit the ball swinging this way, but when I saw the results...as they say, the proof is in the pudding. I am switching to the A Swing. Great job, Adam! You really clarified some aspects of this for me.
Nice going Parker!
All the best, Adam
I've seen a lot of bad comments on the A swing but I have to say it was designed based on Leadbetter's observation that many of his students were rolling the club inside and laying off going back. If that's not your problem, then this technique is not going help. Maybe folks take golf instruction and apply it to themselves incorrectly then complain. This works for me because it fixed MY problem! I finally feel the club actively shallowing (getting into the slot) on plane when I fire my lower body which I never did before.
Thanks for the comment Bob
Best, Adam
Love seeing a swing analysis and then tips on how to get started. These are some great videos. Please keep them coming
Thanks Brandon, I appreciate it.
If it's of interest all the content is at www.scratchgolfacademy.com , and I will be offering a full range of in depth courses there soon.
Best, Adam
Excellent video Adam - you really explained the core backswing mechanics very well - I have been using the A swing method but had difficulty understanding the core or pivot motion until you showed it clearly - thank you so much!
Thanks for the comment Shantu.
All the best, Adam
Hi again Adam. Wow, this video has really helped me out! It has lead me down the path of watching a few more videos on the A Swing. I have only recently dedicated some effort to becoming a student of the game. About 2 months ago, I bought a Calloway Complete Set, X Series (N415's - sort of entry level for Calloway, but a quality set). Plus a Phil Mickelson Grind 60/10 Wedge... I've had so much fun mastering the Wedge, and my short game, and watching Phil's Short Game (and videos)... And I have quickly become pretty good in the short game, because there was less time for me to stuff up my back swing!... My swing was OK... But now the A-Swing has really put me into the slot... I love the part in this video when you say, "and that gives her a Green Light... to really hit the ball"... Words to that effect... I haven't even had any golf lessons ever! But your teaching has been excellent... Just slowly working on 1 or 2 little things... After a while, I have worked on 30 things from you... But you lead me down the path of the A-Swing, and that was MY "Green Light" moment! I can finally unleash some real power on the ball! Thank-you Adam!... 2 things on my Golf Bucket List, 1 - Play Pebble Beach, and 2 - get a lesson from you, and meet you. Your passion for golf comes out in your videos, well done! ... I live on the Ladies Tee at Hole 18, The Sands, Torquay, Australia... Which is close to the club house, and the practice facilities!
Simon,
Thanks very much. I'm glad you've found the videos helpful, and yes, the A-swing is really a good fit for some people.
If it's of interest, on Wednesday (Oct 12) I am opening the new Premium membership at www.scratchgolfacademy.com Offered there are one on one lessons with me through the internet. It's simple technology. I hope you'll consider checking it out. All the best, Adam
Adam, I really appreciate your perspective on the A swing. I see some vitriolic comments and how you have engaged with some very bitter people and all credit to you. DL is a great coach, like yourself, and whilst I am entirely new to the A swing (I'm a one plane swinger now, 1.1 hcp) Im more than willing to give it a try and am discussing with my coach now. Thanks for your brilliant presentation, one day I'd love to visit with you. All best
Andrew,
Thanks very much for the comment, and hope we can meet up sometime. Congrats on the 1 handicap!
All the best, Adam
Looks allot like Joe Nichols teaching that Malaska preaches. Aka the Malaska Move. Good stuff. Glad to see Lydia playin so well this year.
I agree
Simply said, “Outstanding” information, thank you
Thanks very much John
All the best, Adam
Great stuff Adam. Keep up the great work
Much appreciated!
Came back to review this video. You do such a great job of describing the pivot and how the hands stay in while the club goes out. I make a bit of a Matt Kuchar move, feeling like my right arm stays straight instead of whipping to the inside and bending, then lifting and chopping. The feeling is that there is a laser on the grip end of the club that will slice across my toes. Well, when the head is that far out and the shaft is that steep, there is no where for it to go but to fall back in, THEN the right arm drops down to the side and BOOM, everything else is automatic. So many people just want to hate on David, but he really hit a home run with this one. If you are a slicer coming over the top, this move will feel like you just woke up in China, but as Adam says here, give it some time, stay patient and it will work. BIG HINT: if you are used to coming OTT, you will want to lunge forward with your head. Once that club drops in, the hips move forward, but THE HEAD STAYS BACK. - Thanks, Adam. You are terrific.
Thanks very much Parker!
All the best, Adam
I've tried David's A Swing and much of it is quite useful but I've found that a slight hybrid of that swing works really well .. by letting the club path be slightly less steep on the backswing, I have been able to swing more "on plane." To allow the club to shallow the wrists have to be almost too supple for me and I've found that a late on plane wrist cock that then steepens the club shaft allows me to feel the club dropping into the slot. Both work but it's more consistent with the latter than the former. Keeping the club in front and steep tends to induce weight moving forward even though that is something that David does NOT want to happen.
Hi Adam
I recently started swinging my clubs like this, sort of copying Ryan Moore`s swing.
Then after googling i came across David Leadbetters A Swing.
Its the only way i can swing on plane and a very strange thing happens my hips bump and i actually rotate moving my weight forward ( something i struggle with) it just naturally happens for me.
A lot of people dislike Leadbetter saying its a gimmick on other you tube comments.
But honestly Adam for the first time in two years since i took up this great sport i can hit the ball consistently well.
one mans food is another mans poison i know, but this just works for me taking the club up steep then i can feel it shallow, rotate hard then pow.
just my tupence worth . Paul
Paul,
Thanks for your comment. I agree, this method makes a lot of sense, and has helped a lot of players.
All the best, Adam
A tip to advise your students... Notice that Lydia's downswing is initiated with the uncoiling of her legs dragging her hip, shoulders, arms and hands. The geometry of the hips, shoulders, arms and hands at the top of the back swing is held with no hip to shoulder separation until just before the point of the club presenting itself to the ball. Separation starts with hip to shoulder through the strike, not before.
Perhaps you can analyse the movement of the arms through the swing which works follow a v-shape action as the straight left arm rises to the right shoulder in front of the body in the back swing and returning to its original position through the ball strike, and the struggle right arm rising up to the left shoulder through the follow through to finish the swing. This gives rise to the "dropping the hands" sensation on the downswing instead of the trying to hit the ball with the arms/hands leading to cause an over the top swing. It keeps the hands in front of the torso throughout the swing. Also notice that with the downswing, there is no collapsing of the arms into the body with an arms to body lag causing a loss of power.
What is not so apparently to me is the cocking of the wrist at the backswing. I suspect that it is not exactly 90deg in front of the body. The left wrist tend to be naturally oriented with a slight right leaning angle. Would the cocking of the wrists follow a 90-deg cock relative to the left wrist so that at a full cock, it will be a firm to sightly firm left wrist while the right wrist will be cupped giving rise to a "natural waiters support" in a full swing?
Thanks for the comment Ngata.
Best, Adam
Great drill! Did you adjust your grip to how David explains it with strong lead and weak trail hand or was this with your regular grip?
Thanks. It was pretty much my regular grip
Superb Adam!
Thanks Jason
like Lydia Ko's swing 🥰⛳!
I like it too Wes
Best, Adam
deserves more likes and nice Work
Great video once again..The A swing is very good ..but I think you need major extension at the start..but for the feeling the lawn motor drill really works..thanks
Thanks for the comment Ed.
All the best, Adam
Thanks for the video. bought the book. but it's nice to have videos to learn from. can you do a video on using the A swing with a driver? thanks very helpful
Thanks Paul, glad it was helpful. Regards the driver it would be the same swing, but with the usual set-up modifications (ball forward, body tilted back etc). Hope this helps a bit.
Best, Adam
Thank you very much for the analysis! I have the book and this analysis is a great perspective on Davids swing. Subscribed!
Thanks! David has influenced me a lot, so I hope the videos will be helpful too you going forward.Best, Adam
Just learning the A swing, only been at it a couple weeks, but already contact is "crisper" with my irons, usually straighter ball flight, and, as a bonus, I've gained nearly 10 yards distance on all my clubs :) Can't wait to see what happens when I really get the hang of it :) For reference I've been playing for probably 10 years and am a 12 handicap, so not terrible, but loads of room for improvement.
Nice going Randall! Thanks for the comment.
Best, Adam
beautiful golf play big place
Thanks for watching the video Maria.
All the best, Adam
After 64 years of playing, and trying everything :), I call this the "Trebuchet" effect - a medieval catapult. The hips have to move, with the legs turning them, first thus uncorking the torso and the shoulders. Just like the trebuchet has the movement of it's counter-weight then the "arms" THEN the "clubhead" - the ropes which includes the rocks (to be thrown) at the end.
This maximizes the groundedness of the "Trebuchet" body - for the Trebuchet you don't want it to be moving back or forward during the throw. And thus it maximizes the various "centrifugal forces" involves. The turning of the hips is a centrifugal force on the perimeter/circle of the hip "arch". Similar the torso and shoulders follow with subsequent centrifugal force. The left arm, with the right hand/arm in support, form an "axl" - if you will - so the hands themselves follow another arch with centrifugal force. Finally the clubhead is on its own arc and centrifugal force created by ALL of the forces - before it - if done correctly and in concert.
It's a lot easier to write about it than to do it.
I started changing my swing after 60 years - 3 years ago. I started with a modified "Hogan" swing and gravitated to Ko's swing since she is about the same size as me. I now know what it's like to be able to hit a driver 280 yards. One of the RUclipss of Ko is of her driving at a tournament on the first hole of the 2nd or 3rd day, and the announcer says she is averaging 280 off the tee.
That says it all. Timing, in my opinion now, is greater than brute power. Just look at a trebuchet. It has no muscles - only gravity, weight and centrifugal force.
Thanks for the comment, glad to hear of your progress
that's cool and effective technique.
Thanks Ricardo.
Best, Adam
fantastic swing and easy to learn and hit the ball solid!
Hung,
Thanks for the comment. Glad you are having success with Leadbetter's A-Swing. Best, Adam
Outstanding
Thanks, glad you liked the video
Great explanation. Thank you
Thanks for the comment, glad you found it helpful.
Best, Adam
well entertaining :P good vid............
Thanks, I'm glad you enjoyed it.
Best, Adam
Ive been practicing the A swing on the range the last 2 days. Ordered the book yesterday!Played first tournament yesterday and overall was very happy with ball striking aside from 2 blocked drives. Hopefully the book has something on blocks. It definitely does make the backswing easier and more compact without sacrificing any power. I’ve engrained my swing for the last 36 years and changes are difficult. Are you an A swing teacher if I need an online lesson?
Jason,
Thanks. I am very familiar with the method, and certainly have preferences along the A-swing lines. For Premium members at www.scratchgolfacademy.com I do offer online coaching. I hope you'll consider it.
All the best, Adam
You can learn a lot from Lydia's swing
I agree.
All the best, Adam
do u use the A swing when using your driver as well & your woods??
Tom,
I think if you are committed to the A-Swing I'd use it for every club.
Thanks, Adam
thanks for the reply Adam i'll give it go cheers.
Great video. Highlight some things most videos don't
Thanks for the comment Roland.
Best, Adam
Adam, during the backswing, are the hands inside the clubhead until the top of the swing? Thanks.
Mike,I'd say once the club is mostly hinged up it typically starts to fall behind the hands. That would be hands a little above hip height.Hope this helps. Thanks, Adam
DO YOU Teach?The A SWING 9:47
I’m familiar with it’s concepts, but I wouldn’t just teach it as a method
The “A”swing seems very logical my only question is about the wrist hinge on the way back it seems to cup your left wrist at the top of the backswing. Is that fine when using this method to steepen your backswing? When do you flatten the left wrist?
Thanks Jason. You are right, typically the left wrist cups at the top. You'd want to bow it (flatten it) coming in to impact.
Best, Adam
As a hitting coach and into the science of hitting mechanics, I applied this technique to my golf swing and my ball striking improved dramatically. Staying connected in the back swing was very helpful along with keeping the club outside the hands. Great video.
Thanks, glad you saw some improvement!
Best, Adam
Is this A Swing more of a drill to help the golfer (1) keep the clubhead outside the hands on the takeaway, and (2) get the club up on its end halfway back? I feel that at the takeaway, my right hand is completely on top, and as I lift the club up from there the club is very upright when I am halfway back. I suppose following these positions are more like a Ryan Moore action going back, am I right?
I'd say right on all counts.
All the best, Ada,
Enjoyable :D epic!
Thanks very much.
All the best, Adam
I've been using a version of the "A" swing for nearly 20 years and every time I try to go away from it and try something else it turns out to be a complete disaster! Once you get the moves down it's the best golf swing technique you can use to better your game!
If it's working for you stick with it. This game always requires subtle modifications ongoing, just stick with your basics.
Best, Adam
"If it's working for you stick with it. This game always requires subtle modifications ongoing, just stick with your basics"
Then why would Lydia Ko change her basic swing that was dominating the LPGA? Yes, "was".
There's a long history of great players changing their swings, some with great success (Faldo, Hogan etc), and some with the opposite effect. It's just part of the makeup of these people, always trying to improve, look at Tiger. Of course in his prime he could win with any swing. We will have to see how it plays out over the next 10 years.
Thanks for the comment
Scratch Golf Academy
Yes, we certainly will. It will be Lydia's entire career. Hope her Leadbetter experience doesn't go the way of Michelle Wie.
Tried the “lawnmower pull” at the range today. I felt very centered when I did it on my backswing. It felt like cheating. Lol. Question though you do the move in both directions when you demo it. I was not able to translate it to the downswing. One thing I notice with Lydia Ko and most great players is that lead arm is flat against their chest a long way into the downswing. How do I do that part of the move? And does the lawnmower pull apply there? Thank you.
Glad you liked it. No, in the downswing there would be some shift of lower body towards target. In the demo I was just repeating the backswing several times.
All the best, Adam
I'm looking forward to see how she swings in 2021.....snapping away at the heals of the top guns & can she take out the likes of US winner Kim & the other Ko in 2021?
Thanks Thomas. Yes, I hope she has a good year.
All the best, Adam
Thanks.
Thanks Ivan.
Best, Adam
your explanation is much simpler than led betters
Thanks Timothy, and glad it helped you!
Best, Adam
wow ! top vid
Thanks, I'm glad it was helpful to you.
Best, Adam
another version of over the top swingmalaska golf reinvented
Fair enough. There are only so many ways to take the club back, and the game is pretty old now.
Adam
cool video
Thanks very much. Best, Adam
Why do I hit my a swing irons thin?
Hard to say without seeing you swing the club. Weight hanging on back foot or scooping at ball are very common. Sorry I can't be more helpful.
Best, Adam
This makes sense...
Thanks, hope you are able to make some progress with it.
All the best, Adam
nice
i need to practice my swing
I hope it goes well for you!
Best, Adam
If you want to hit a lot of straight shots this swing is perfect but at the beginning you lose 1 1/2 to 2 club length in distance. But the more you keep practicing with it it will come back to just a 1/2 a club length.
Kelvin,
Thanks for the comment. It's possible to lose some length when first trying something new, but not sure it's a definitively shorter hitting swing.
Best, Adam
Adam Lydia is going through a swing change now to gain more distance she is clubs not club behind her opponents . Still a good swing though.
What happen to Ko she was doing good do not change your attack. Indianjimmy
Great swing!
Thanks, I agree!
All the best, Adam
Good not to have any premature thrusting.
Closed stance + stronger grip. Are you not scared of hooking it?
Guy,
If you are referring to Lydia's swing, she rotates her trunk trough the ball really well, rarely seems to hook it. That combination could cause hooks though.
Best, Adam
I prefer the old Lydia Ko swing which looked natural and worked well. This new contrived A swing just does not look right. The old swing got her on to tour and I think she might have the talent to make this manufactured A swing work but she would have been far better served sticking with what she had,
Well John, you might be right. The thing is one never really knows because once you've chosen a path and gone down it you don't know for sure what you'd have done if you stayed on the previous path. Faldo, Hogan and others made changes that created fabulous results, but others have had the opposite type result. Most amateur players snatch the club in too quickly for a flat takeaway, so this is kind of an antidote to that.Thanks though for your comments, and for watching the video. Best, Adam
The under plane move also leads to hooks which Ko now suffers from time to time.
That can happen for sure. It's a tough game, and constant adjustments are part of it. Thanks for taking the time to watch the video.
Best, Adam
Adam, Your point made re "one never really knows because once you've chosen a path and gone down it you don't know for sure what you'd have done if you stayed on the previous path"is spot on. ALL the big name Leadbetter students that he takes credit for were ALL on tour before he rejigged their swing's. Faldo was good enought to be leading the Open with 9 holes to go before he went to him. These players are savants that were already elite tour players and would undoubtedly achieved great things if they continued with what they were doing. The raw materiel he is working with is the driver for the results rather than the dubious method but the way it is sold the method takes most of the credit and that is just not realistic. This was why Leadbetter was unable to reproduce similar results with other players after Faldo,if it was the method there would have been a production line of players. The fact that did not/ does not happen indicates the raw material TALENT is the real determinant of sucess rather than the magic method. You also made a really good observation "Most amateur players snatch the club in too quickly for a flat takeaway, so this is kind of an antidote to that."Lydia Ko's old swing did not suffer from this and she had an on plane downswing. If the downswing is right you should not really fiddle with the backswing . A good example of this is Sandy Lyle who had a great downswing but funky LOOKING backswing and was ruined when he tried to change his backswing. I believe but am not 100% certain that Leadbetter was the architect behind this. In Lydia Ko's case her previously on plane downswing is now under plane and leading to a lot more inconsistancy as a result. Lydia Ko's old game just looked right and suited her and was already bringing tremendous results and was not taxing her nervous system. This new A Thing swing just does not look right and as phil makegs points out is fundamentally flawed . You can see she is working really hard to make the contrived A Thing work but she is so talented she can get results out of it. She is doing well despite it not because of it , that is what I see.
John,
I agree that the talent of the player is the ultimate determining factor about success. I don't think an average tour player can become a multi major winner from a swing change. Leadbetter is a bright and talented guy though, and much more versatile than the general golf media makes him out to be. Tour players can be a pretty fickle group too, switching coaches, resisting new ideas etc etc. This, however, is their right, as ultimately they have to get the job done. It's an interesting dynamic to observe, I'm sure there are parallels in other fields.
Thanks for your comments though, and your interest in the subject. Best, Adam
super like
Thanks very much, I'm glad you found it helpful.Best, Adam
Looks a wee bit like Trevino's swing. Cocky wrists; definitely not a single plane swing. I'd think thrusting everything toward the target while keeping her lead leg a little bent throughout would be better on her back and would produce more power.
Jonathan,
thanks for the comment. She's a super successful player, it will be interesting to see how she modifies her game going forward.
All the best, Adam
Lydia grabbed defeat from the jaws of victory with her swing changes.
Ben,
There were a lot of factors in there, behind the scenes. I don't believe it was swing related.
No worries.
All the best, Adam
@@Scratchgolfacademy ..tragic..
@@Scratchgolfacademy I would agree in part because her swing today still has a lot of these elements.
Lydia back to her winning swing this weekend at ANA 2021. We shall see her starts to win.
@@Scratchgolfacademy One of the factors was a severe case of LEAD POISONING.
Looks similar to Nick Price.
+Paul Bordelon
Thanks Paul. Yes, Lydia's motion is very much like that of Nick Price. As you may know Nick has always worked on his game with David Leadbetter, in fact they were friends growing up in Zimbabwe.
Best, Adam
Scratch Golf Academy hoping all is well after Irma!
+Paul Bordelon
Thanks Paul. Could've been a lot worse, but far from normal at this point.
Best, Adam
+Paul Bordelon
Thanks Paul!
A swing
+Brian Ravn thanks for watching the video Brian.
Best, Adam
Lydia developed a two-way miss as a result of her hands moving out in the downswing (as your video shows)...if Lead had taught her (like he did many players back in '80s and early '90s) to shallow the clubhead ONTO the inclined shaft plane instead of creating a "look" of the club shallowing relative to the backswing (which doesn't mean squat) then she would probably still be with him today...you guys were all good teachers back then which makes one wonder what was wrong with what you were doing
Well, you are certainly entitled to an opinion. David remains a friend to this day (I'm doing a golf school with him in a couple of weeks), and I think he's a bright guy. Certainly his views have modified over the years, and some things work better for some players than others. With Tour players it's inevitable that the go through cycles, including firing coaches, caddies, and managers. It's just the nature of it.
Ultimately the player has responsibility for their own game and outcomes (which gives them the right to fire people etc), so we'll see how the future goes for Lydia. Likely pretty well I'd guess.
All the best, Adam
@@ScratchgolfacademyI certainly didn't question your loyalty and friendship (not sure what that has to do with my contention)...your response didn't really address the issue of her hands and arms moving "out" in the forward swing...it was a huge mistake in her career (having worked on the A swing)...further, it is disturbing that beginning at 6:24 you say "it's not just some random scheme to create something new" when that is exactly what he did to remain relevant and marketable...I can't think of one golfer having success with the A swing today...at what point in time do you admit it doesn't work? for the sake of fairness I'll admit that I am biased because I feel that 25-30 years ago David, Mitchell and the staff of instructors at DLGA were unparalleled in the history of golf instruction....
Once again Leadbetter destroys a pure golf prodigy.
Pretty much all great golfers try whatever they can to improve. For some the changes don't work so well, for others (like Faldo) it's a difference maker. Lydia is now working with a friend of mine, Gary Gilchrist. He's a former Leadbetter employee, it will be interesting to see how it goes.
Best, Adam
Randsurfer, %100 correct.
'Since ending her three-year relationship with swing coach David Leadbetter in December 2016, which led to 17 LPGA wins, 2 major golf championships, and a number 1 world ranking, Ko has won a single golf tournament, no major golf championships, and her world ranking has dropped to 14th.' (Wiki)
I think her swing needs too much rotation of the body, making the hands too much behind the body. Similar to Rory's swing.
Fair enough, but the success she and Rory have had is super impressive
Best, Adam
Leadbetter curse is real and why she left him.
loosing a us open meant the last straw
Robert,
People are entitled to their own opinions, but after spending half my professional life around DL, I have a very high opinion of him.
No problem thogh.
Best, Adam
?????????
I bought into the A swing theory and bought the book....We golf nuts will fall for anything!!! Been playing golf for nearly thirty years to a low single figure handicap. Tried his A swing out but only find it to hard to make the wholesale changes one has to make specifically in the backswing. One has to spend hours on the range and thousands of swings to make the changes natural which is not practical especially for time poor amatuers!! In my opinion ultimately Leadbetter has destroyed Lydia. She had the perfect swing before David Leadbetter got hold of her so why fix what ain't broke is the question I ask?? There is a old Texan saying "Dance with the one that brung ya" and I believe that finally she has been left stranded at the ball!!. Please read Kelvin Miyahira's article link attached on saving Lydia ko written earlier this month, he is a highly respected coach and technical buff on the game. kelvinmiyahira.com/index.php/articles/articles-2/2016-articles/159-2016-10-saving-lydia-ko
Well you are entitled to your opinion. Many great players (Tiger, Hogan, Faldo) in an ongoing effort to improve made swing changes that helped a lot. Of course many players made changes and it went the other way. It's just hard to say until you try, if it will work. From my experience it's just 'in the nature' of a lot of great players (athletes in general) to push for improvement. I suppose we will see in 5 years or so how it's looking for Lydia.
I appreciate your comment and interest.
Thanks, Adam
Well, fair enough. We will just have to see how it plays out in the coming years. She certainly is a great talent.
Thanks for the comment.
Best, Adam
Yes she did. It's pretty common for players to do this after 3 years or so. She's a great talent, We'll just have to see how it goes.
Best, Adam
phil makegs and loans behold, she wanted to come back and Leadbetter said no. She has dropped quite a bit since she ditched Leadbetter.
Well its been 2 years now and what happened to Lydia Ko?? I rest my case!!
Davis ruined her swing!! Dumb a as!
I have to disagree, she was number 1 in the world when she worked with David Leadbetter
Great tips, but don't like the false American accent !!
Clive,
I grew up in England, have spent entire adult life in the USA, that's just how I speak
AB
What gives you the authority to try and tell someone how to speak? There are plenty of people who have had mixed upbringings in different countries who say things very differently.
No need for negativity like this.
I'm a Kiwi (New Zealander) like her. I don't put on a false accent
Never heard of her.
#1 player in ladies golf right now. No worries
Best, Adam